Facebook and your kids

[Tinks]

My Ds will be getting a FB account in a couple of mths when he turns 13 because I've told him that I WILL NOT lie about his age for him (but that's another kettle of fish).

My question is to parents who have their children as 'friends' on their FB accounts.

I am probably over thinking this but I see FB as my own private sanctuary where I can write what I want - whether it be my silly drunken ramblings or just useless crap which he really doens't need to see. When my son is on FB I don't think I want him seeing all of my stuff, yet I want to be able to see everything that goes on on his account. I just feel as though FB crosses the line between parent and friend. Of course I am his friend (so to speak) but above all I am his parent and should be respected as such.

What do other parents do? Do you have your FB account open so your kids can see everything?

[BrightSparkles]

if you put him in your limited profile list and set his up so that your in an access everything list - does that work??

[Rouge]

I'm more concerned about my kids privacy than my own iykwim? That's easy to fix it's harder to maintain a child's account unless you have access and are monitoring activity daily.

FB is a no zone for our kids (and yes they are younger) but DD thinks she can't have an FB account till she's an adult so I'm holding onto that as long as I can LOL!

[Tinks]

I'm more concerned about my kids privacy than my own iykwim? That's easy to fix it's harder to maintain a child's account unless you have access and are monitoring activity daily.

FB is a no zone for our kids (and yes they are younger) but DD thinks she can't have an FB account till she's an adult so I'm holding onto that as long as I can LOL!

Thta's what I told my kids too but some of their friends have FB accounts (grr) and they asked if they could have one as well. After researching I found the age was 13 and told them they could have one then.

I totally agree with you Rouge, I am more concerned about my childrens privacy than my own. My kids internet activity is always monitered and always will be. THeir FB accounts (when tehy get them) will be secure. I will make sure of that.

I think my question came across badly, I meant to ask whether other parents of teenagers share everything on their FB.

[blessedatlast]

Yeah, I have thought of this too as my brother is on FB.. He is only 12 so must have lied about his age! I write some bizzare stuff sometimes, but probably nothing I wouldn't say IRL anyway.. Mum is his friend on FB. I will have to ask her.. I think she would be the same though, I don't think she would write anything that wouldn't be said IRL.. Probably not much help there! Sorry

[Caz1971]

DS is 13 and has his own a/c, but i monitor it (i know the password), we often go on it tog. I cannot believe what some of the kids are writing on there and alot of them are even younger and "in a relationship" with such and such. Luckily , he is not into girls - yet.

[briggsy's girl]

you can block things that you don't want him to see hun - the little padlock after status updates allows that now. as much as you want to be open with your kids, if you're venting saying he's been a right turd today, you don't want that getting to him!